Crispy breaded chicken, tender pasta and a silky cream sauce come together in this easy weeknight lemon chicken pasta dinner that tastes like it came from your favourite restaurant.

Bright, creamy and ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting lemon chicken pasta is proof that a handful of simple ingredients can deliver big flavour. It's the kind of dinner that's easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 medium), sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, divided (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions for Lemon Chicken Pasta

  1. In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain and lightly rinse. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk egg and milk together in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. In a large skillet over medium, heat olive oil. Cook chicken for 3 to 4 min per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board, squeeze 2 tbsp of the lemon juice over the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium, melt butter. Add garlic and onion powder and cook for 1 min, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring just to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low, then slowly whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired.
  7. Pour sauce over cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
  8. Divide pasta among serving bowls, top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley, if you like.

This recipe for Lemon Chicken Pasta is from NatashasKitchen.com.